I can say that we have a positive return every month from our adwords campaigns, but our campaigns are relatively small and targeted. I have never been able to run a highly profitable campaign in super competitive areas, and I have tried many times. The problem is that when you get very competitive, many advertisers are going for the branding, and are okay with either very slim margins or a slight loss. It can be very cut throat in some industries. Tickets is one like that.

Wow I haven't thought about the branding reason for such competition in adwords.
Thanks for the post.

I'm not expert, but my friend who does AM. He has a weird knack for campaigns. He tries to hit the home run on the first try. See which groups work, then target those specific groups. At first, he spends more money than he should, but it's a lot quicker way then trying each one out individually.

expert... compared to what?
some of us are experts compared to newbies, but newbies compared to some experts

warrior NZBryce taught me much of what i know and he is an expert according to me... he doesn't say much though - and is unlikely to declare himself an expert among such exteemed company.

got a specific question that an expert could answer for you?

I am no expert, but I set up an article campaign and then when I see what keywords convert I will set up PPC for these.

Cheers

To answer the question, I'm an expert. I've setup and managed dozens of campaigns for clients selling all kinds of products and services. Some have been extremely successful.